Barley beer is a type of beer made primarily from barley, a cereal grain that is malted to convert its starches into sugars. This process involves soaking the barley in water, allowing it to germinate, and then drying it to stop the germination. The malted barley is then mashed with hot water to extract the sugars, which are fermented by yeast to produce alcohol. The brewing process also includes the addition of hops, which provide bitterness and aroma, balancing the sweetness of the malt. Barley beer comes in various styles, including lager and ale, each with unique flavors and characteristics influenced by the ingredients and brewing techniques used.